Patents by Inventor John McWhirter

John McWhirter has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9422370
    Abstract: A genetically modified non-human animal is provided, wherein the non-human animal expresses an antibody repertoire capable of pH dependent binding to antigens upon immunization. A genetically modified non-human animal is provided that expresses a single light chain variable domain derived from a single rearranged light chain variable region gene in the germline of the non-human animal, wherein the single rearranged light chain variable region gene comprises a substitution of at least one non-histidine encoding codon with a histidine encoding codon. Methods of making non-human animals that express antibodies comprising a histidine-containing universal light chain are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew J. Murphy, Lynn Macdonald, John McWhirter
  • Publication number: 20160229906
    Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals are provided that comprise an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus comprising an unrearranged human heavy chain variable region nucleotide sequence comprising an addition of at least one histidine codon or a substitution of at least one endogenous non-histidine codon with a histidine codon. Compositions and methods for making the genetically modified non-human animals as described herein are provided. Non-human animals capable of expressing an antigen-binding protein characterized by pH-dependent antigen binding, enhanced recyclability and/or enhanced serum half-life are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: John MCWHIRTER, Lynn MACDONALD, Andrew J. MURPHY
  • Publication number: 20160219847
    Abstract: A genetically modified mouse is provided, wherein the mouse expresses an immunoglobulin light chain repertoire characterized by a limited number of light chain variable domains. Mice are provided that express just one or a few immunoglobulin light chain variable domains from a limited repertoire in their germline. Methods for making bispecific antibodies having universal light chains using mice as described herein, including human light chain variable regions, are provided. Methods for making human variable regions suitable for use in multispecific binding proteins, e.g., bispecific antibodies, and host cells are provided. Bispecific antibodies capable of binding first and second antigens are provided, wherein the first and second antigens are separate epitopes of a single protein or separate epitopes on two different proteins are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: JOHN MCWHIRTER, LYNN MACDONALD, SEAN STEVENS, SAMUEL DAVIS, ANDREW J. MURPHY
  • Patent number: 9334334
    Abstract: A genetically modified non-human animal is provided, wherein the non-human animal expresses an antibody repertoire capable of pH dependent binding to antigens upon immunization. A genetically modified non-human animal is provided that expresses a single light chain variable domain derived from a single rearranged light chain variable region gene in the germline of the non-human animal, wherein the single rearranged light chain variable region gene comprises a substitution of at least one non-histidine encoding codon with a histidine encoding codon. Methods of making non-human animals that express antibodies comprising a histidine-containing universal light chain are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Lynn MacDonald, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9332742
    Abstract: A genetically modified non-human animal is provided, wherein the non-human animal expresses an antibody repertoire capable of pH dependent binding to antigens upon immunization. A genetically modified non-human animal is provided that expresses human immunoglobulin light chain variable domains derived from a limited repertoire of human immunoglobulin light chain variable gene segments that comprise histidine modifications in their germline sequence. Methods of making non-human animals that express antibodies comprising histidine residues encoded by histidine codons introduced into immunoglobulin light chain nucleotide sequences are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Lynn MacDonald, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20160115486
    Abstract: Methods are provided herein for assembling at least two nucleic acids using a sequence specific nuclease agent (e.g., a gRNA-Cas complex) to create end sequences having complementarity and subsequently assembling the overlapping complementary sequences. The nuclease agent (e.g., a gRNA-Cas complex) can create double strand breaks in dsDNA in order to create overlapping end sequences or can create nicks on each strand to produce complementary overhanging end sequences. Assembly using the method described herein can assemble any nucleic acids having overlapping sequences or can use a joiner oligo to assemble sequences without complementary ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Chris Schoenherr, John McWhirter, Corey Momont, Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy, Gregg S. Warshaw, Jose F. Rojas, Ka-Man Venus Lai, David M. Valenzuela, Caitlin Montagna
  • Publication number: 20160100561
    Abstract: Non-human animals, e.g., mammals, e.g., mice or rats, are provided comprising an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus that comprises a rearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region nucleotide sequence. The rearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region nucleotide sequence may be operably linked to a heavy or light chain constant region nucleic acid sequence. Also described are genetically modified non-human animals comprising an immunoglobulin light chain locus comprising one or more but less than the wild type number of human immunoglobulin light chain variable region gene segments, which may be operably linked to a light chain constant region nucleic acid sequence. Also provided are methods for obtaining nucleic acid sequences that encode immunoglobulin light chain variable domains capable of binding an antigen in the absence of a heavy chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Cagan Gurer, Karolina A. Meagher, Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9301510
    Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals are provided that comprise an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus comprising an unrearranged human heavy chain variable region nucleotide sequence comprising an addition of at least one histidine codon or a substitution of at least one endogenous non-histidine codon with a histidine codon. Compositions and methods for making the genetically modified non-human animals as described herein are provided. Non-human animals capable of expressing an antigen-binding protein characterized by pH-dependent antigen binding, enhanced recyclability and/or enhanced serum half-life are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Lynn MacDonald, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20160081314
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions related to chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) having antigen binding domains derived from an immunoglobulin (Ig) and constant domains derived from a T cell receptor (TCR).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Gavin Thurston, Andrew J. Murphy, Lynn Macdonald, John Mcwhirter, Naxin Tu, Cagan Gurer, Vera Voronina
  • Patent number: 9249229
    Abstract: Cancer treatments use a therapy that: 1) interferes with the interaction between CD200 and its receptor to block immune suppression thereby promoting eradication of the cancer cells; and 2) directly kills the cancer cells either by complement-mediated or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity or by targeting cells using a fusion molecule that includes a CD200-targeting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine S. Bowdish, John McWhirter, Anke Kretz-Rommel
  • Publication number: 20160021856
    Abstract: The invention provides a genetically modified non-human animal that comprises in its genome unrearranged T cell receptor variable gene loci, as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the same. Also provided are constructs for making said genetically modified non-human animal and methods of making the same. Various methods of using the genetically modified non-human animal are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy, John McWhirter, Naxin Tu, Vera Voronina, Cagan Gurer, Karolina Meagher, Sean Stevens
  • Publication number: 20150376628
    Abstract: Methods are provided herein for assembling at least two nucleic acids using a sequence specific nuclease agent (e.g., a gRNA-Cas complex) to create end sequences having complementarity and subsequently assembling the overlapping complementary sequences. The nuclease agent (e.g., a gRNA-Cas complex) can create double strand breaks in dsDNA in order to create overlapping end sequences or can create nicks on each strand to produce complementary overhanging end sequences. Assembly using the method described herein can assemble any nucleic acids having overlapping sequences or can use a joiner oligo to assemble sequences without complementary ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Chris Schoenherr, John McWhirter, Corey Momont, Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy, Gregg S. Warshaw, Jose F. Rojas, Ka-Man Venus Lai, David M. Valenzuela, Caitlin Montagna
  • Patent number: 9204624
    Abstract: Non-human animals, e.g., mammals, e.g., mice or rats, are provided comprising an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus that comprises a rearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region nucleotide sequence. The rearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region nucleotide sequence may be operably linked to a heavy or light chain constant region nucleic acid sequence. Also described are genetically modified non-human animals comprising an immunoglobulin light chain locus comprising one or more but less than the wild type number of human immunoglobulin light chain variable region gene segments, which may be operably linked to a light chain constant region nucleic acid sequence. Also provided are methods for obtaining nucleic acid sequences that encode immunoglobulin light chain variable domains capable of binding an antigen in the absence of a heavy chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Cagan Gurer, Karolina A. Meagher, Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20150313193
    Abstract: A genetically modified mouse is provided, wherein the mouse expresses an immunoglobulin light chain repertoire characterized by a limited number of light chain variable domains. Mice are provided that express just one or a few immunoglobulin light chain variable domains from a limited repertoire in their germline. Methods for making light chain variable regions in mice, including human light chain variable regions, are provided. Methods for making human variable regions suitable for use in multispecific binding proteins, e.g., bispecific antibodies, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Lynn Macdonald, Sean Stevens, Samuel Davis, David R. Buckler, Karolina A. Hosiawa, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20150313194
    Abstract: Non-human animals comprising a human or humanized C3 and/or C5 nucleic acid sequence are provided as well as methods for using the same to identify compounds capable of modulating the complement system. Non-human animals that comprise a replacement of the endogenous C5 gene and/or C3 gene with a human or humanized C5 gene and/or C3 gene, and methods for making and using the non-human animals, are described. Non-human animals comprising a human or humanized C5 gene under control of non-human C5 regulatory elements is also provided, including non-human animals that have a replacement of non-human C5-encoding sequence with human C5-encoding sequence at an endogenous non-human C5 locus. Non-human animals comprising a human or humanized C3 gene under control of non-human C3 regulatory elements is also provided, including non-human animals that have a replacement of non-human C3 protein-encoding sequence with human or humanized C3 protein-encoding sequence at an endogenous non-human C3 locus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventors: Ying Hu, Adrianna Latuszek, Jingtai Cao, Alexander Mujica, Stanley Wiegand, John McWhirter, Andrew Murphy, Lynn Macdonald
  • Publication number: 20150289489
    Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals and methods and compositions for making and using them are provided, wherein the genetic modification comprises (a) a deletion in an immunoglobulin constant region CH1 gene (optionally a deletion in a hinge region) of a heavy chain constant region gene sequence, and (b) replacement of one or all endogenous VH, DH and JH gene segments with at least one unrearranged light chain variable (VL) gene segment and at least one unrearranged light chain joining (JL) gene segment capable of recombining to form a rearranged light chain variable region (VL/JL) nucleotide sequence operably linked to the heavy chain constant region gene sequence comprising a deletion in the CH1 gene and/or insertion of a genetically engineered single rearranged light chain, wherein the mouse is capable of expressing a functional IgM, single domain antigen binding proteins, e.g., VL-single domain binding proteins, and a genetically engineered rearranged light chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Lynn MACDONALD, Andrew J. MURPHY, Cagan GURER, John MCWHIRTER
  • Patent number: 9150661
    Abstract: Cancer treatments use a therapy that: 1) interferes with the interaction between CD200 and its receptor to block immune suppression thereby promoting eradication of the cancer cells; and 2) directly kills the cancer cells either by complement-mediated or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity or by targeting cells using a fusion molecule that includes a CD200-targeting portion. The therapy includes the administration of novel antibodies, functional fragments thereof or fusion molecules containing portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine S. Bowdish, John McWhirter, Anke Kretz-Rommel, Toshiaki Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20150250151
    Abstract: A genetically modified non-human animal is provided, wherein the non-human animal expresses an antibody repertoire capable of pH dependent binding to antigens upon immunization. A genetically modified non-human animal is provided that expresses human immunoglobulin light chain variable domains derived from a limited repertoire of human immunoglobulin light chain variable gene segments that comprise histidine modifications in their germline sequence. Methods of making non-human animals that express antibodies comprising histidine residues encoded by histidine codons introduced into immunoglobulin light chain nucleotide sequences are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: John MCWHIRTER, Lynn MACDONALD, Andrew J. MURPHY
  • Patent number: 9113616
    Abstract: The invention provides a genetically modified non-human animal that comprises in its genome unrearranged T cell receptor variable gene loci, as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the same. Also provided are constructs for making said genetically modified non-human animal and methods of making the same. Various methods of using the genetically modified non-human animal are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn MacDonald, Andrew J. Murphy, John McWhirter, Naxin Tu, Vera Voronina, Cagan Gurer, Karolina Meagher, Sean Stevens
  • Publication number: 20150143562
    Abstract: Non-human animals, cells, methods and compositions for making and using the same are provided, wherein the non-human animals and cells comprise a humanized a proliferation-inducing ligand gene. Non-human animals and cells that express a human or humanized a proliferation-inducing ligand protein from an endogenous a proliferation-inducing ligand locus are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Cagan Gurer, Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy